Paul’s labors in Ephesus were at length concluded. He felt that the excitement which prevailed was unfavorable to the preaching of the gospel. His heart was filled with gratitude to God that his life had been preserved, and that Christianity had not been brought into disrepute by the tumult at Ephesus. The decision of the recorder and of others holding honorable offices in the city, had set Paul before the people as one innocent of any unlawful act. This was another triumph of Christianity over error and superstition. God had raised up a great magistrate to vindicate his apostle, and hold the tumultuous mob in check.{LP 146.2}

Til sidst afsluttede Paulus arbejde i Efesus. Han følte at den ophidselse som herskede ikke var til evangelieforkyndelsens fordel. Hans hjerte blev fyldt med taknemmelighed til Gud, at hans liv har været bevaret, og at kristendommen ikke var kommet i miskredit af tumulten i Efesus. Byretsdommerens og andre af byens ærværdige embedmænds beslutning, havde bragt Paulus frem for folk som en uskyldig og frikendt fra ulovlige handlinger. Det var endnu kristendommens sejr over vildfarelse og overtro. Gud havde oprejst en stor byretsdommer til at overbevise sin apostle, og holdt den tumulte folkehob i skak.